Pics: Meryick D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Jul 12: The muhurat for Konkani drama ‘Paanch Mornam’ was held at Rosario Cathedral conference hall here on Sunday, July 12.

Fr J B Crasta, the parish priest of Rosario Cathedral, Melvyn Rodrigues, eminent Konkani poet, Central Sahitya Academy Award recipient and director (operations) of Daijiworld Media, Dolphy D’Souza, vice-president of pastoral council, Rosario, John Permannur, Richie John Pais, Melwyn Peris as actors’ representative and writer Vincy Pinto, convenor of Daiji Dubai Mangaluru chapter lighted the lamp.

Konkani columnist and author Richie John Pais is the writer of the drama and renowned director John M Permannur will direct it. ’Paanch Mornam’ in Konkani means five funerals.

Fr J B Crasta blessed the occasion and said "Richie John Pais is a very good thinker. We read his writings in various magazines. I wish his play all the success and pray that the drama comes out nicely and succeeds in giving a good social message."

Melvyn Rodrigues unveiled the copy of the drama and presented it to director John Permannur.

Richie John Pais addressing the gathering and said, "The title of ‘Paanch Mornam' is not negative. The drama explores the simple human relationships in the modern setup. It is a dialogue-based drama. It is the story of the protagonist who sees four funerals in a span of two years. Deaths and funerals do not happen on stage. Instead the characters speak about these four funerals. Whose is the fifth funeral? When, why and how does it take place? All these things will be seen in the last scene. My friend Vincy Pinto encouraged me to stage this drama. The drama is a struggle of ordinary people and the high class hypocrites who proclaim themselves as representatives of God."

Richie acknowledged the presence of veteran actors Benna Ruzai and Alwyn Pinto, recently chosen president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai.

John Permannur said, "I have become director with the guidance of many senior artistes especially Benna Ruzai. This drama of Richie John Pais gives a very strong lesson to the society that we all have to leave everything in this world and depart some day. Living life in the right way is important. All the artistes in this drama are famous and experienced. We will give the audience a good drama."

Melvyn Rodrigues said, "Muhurat is nothing but the right or good time to start something. Richie has done all the arrangements in choosing the director, actors and other people. There are many preparations that need to be done from now. I have been watching this writer from his early days. He should be encouraged when he is venturing into drama in a big way.

"Konkani drama has a great history. Dramas staged back then were realistic and the writer was of importance. But due to innovations in presentation, director has more prominence now. John Permannur is a very experienced director. I had the privilege of holding a debate with him about the state of Konkani drama for Daijiworld TV recently. Drama has an entertainment value, but at the same time it makes people to think. I congratulate all the people associated with the drama and wish them success.".

Artistes in the drama are Jossy Rego Bendur, Melvyn Peris Angelore, Martin D'souza Vamanjoor, Clita Noronha Jeppu, Nellu Permannur, Nigel Pereira Milagres, Steven Fernandes Rosario, Nishma D'Souza Valencia, Shahila D'Almeida Rosario, Alwyn Tauro Rosario, Nelvita Noronha Jeppu. Stany Alvares and Nia Francisca Pais will make special appearances. Harish is the makeup man. Shawn Rodrigues from Kulshekar will score the music. Chris Electronics will provide sounds and lights.

All the artistes were honoured by Dolphy D’Souza. Vincy Pinto gave them the practice schedule.

Alwyn Tauro welcomed and compered. Fermina Pais proposed the vote of thanks.

The drama will be staged on August 23 (Sunday) at 6 pm at Don Bosco hall in Mangaluru.